PHOTOS: Crowds Pack Eastern State Penitentiary for Bastille Day

On Saturday Fairmount celebrated the 20th Annual Bastille Day at Eastern State Penitentiary. The event commemorates the beginning of the French Revolution with the Storming of the Bastille on the 14 July 1789. The Bearded Ladies Cabaret Company performed an artistic interpretation of the story, with founder John Jarboe playing French cabaret great Edith Piaf. Terry McNally, co-owner of the nearby London Grill reprised her role as Marie Antoinette, telling the citizens from the roof of the “Bastille,” “Let them eat Tastykake!”

This year I wanted to do something a little different and photograph the event from the performance stage as well as from behind the scenes, which my partner Mike Toub photographed. Check out our shots below to find out why Marie Antoinette’s head was spared at this year’s celebration.

HughE Dillon

The Bearded Ladies Cabaret's grand entrance

Mike Toub

Ben Franklin and her dancers behind the scenes.

HughE Dillon

Marie Antoinette on the roof of the “Bastille.”

Mike Toub

Shovels being passed out for the “Let them eat Tastykake” part of the show.

Mike Toub

The citizens of France (Phrance?)

HughE Dillon

Edith Piaf (John Jarboe) and Napoleon (Mary Tuomanen) on stage.

Mike Toub

Edith Piaf tells Marie Antoinette that her citizens don’t have any bread.